ABSTRACT
Many people's lives are inextricably linked with these animals – the farm labour force in the UK numbers more than 600 000 people. Most animal diseases are predisposed by poor knowledge, poor management and intensive farming methods. This chapter describes animal husbandry and some diseases common in animals. It includes lay terms commonly used by patients in GPs' consulting rooms. Unlike humans, domestic animals confer little immunity through the placenta, immunoglobulins being instead absorbed from the colostrum. Lyme disease is not commonly recognised in domestic animals, perhaps partly due to the lack of the classic skin rash seen in man. People who work with animals are familiar with birth, life, death, disease and suffering. Diseases of the newborn, such as E. coli enteritis and septicaemia and streptococcal meningitis, are common in intensive systems. Parasite diseases in young cattle have also become less common. Viral diseases can cause high morbidity and serious economic loss.
